Congestion

Congestion costs the UK economy billions of pounds every year. As town centre roads become more congested, will local authorities look towards London’s Congestion Charge model as an effective means to reduce traffic levels, or will they explore alternative methods such as consolidation hubs, or retimed deliveries?

Walking zone and cycling lane provision has added to congestion in London at least temporarily, TfL told the Transport Committee this week. However, it remains part of its long term strategy to tackle the capital’s chronic congestion.

Urban logistics is impeded by congestion, a lack of kerbspace, the need for cleaner air and restrictions on size and noise, all against a backdrop of increased demand. Freight is now higher on the agenda and helped by more inter-agency co-ordination than before, but progress is painstaking.